MASTERPIECES OF ART AND NATURE April 12 to 22, 2019 a program of the stanford alumni association
When I think of Holland, I envision tulips, wooden shoes and windmills, but the Netherlands is also a modern, progressive country. We ll explore this fascinating blend of Holland s Golden Age and 21st century as we navigate its scenic waterways, a labyrinth of canals and locks that s a marvel of hydro-engineering. It being the height of the spring blooming season, we ll cruise by brilliantly hued fields of Holland s iconic tulips that exemplify the cutting edge of sustainable agriculture and biogenetics. We ll travel through the idyllic countryside that inspired a genre and a generation of Dutch and Flemish masters whose works we ll view at the region s world-class art museums some recently modernized. Come celebrate old and new Holland and the magnificent Dutch spring with us! BRETT S. THOMPSON, 83, DIRECTOR, STANFORD TRAVEL/STUDY Highlights CAPTION ENJOY a private sevennight cruise aboard the charming, intimate 28-passenger canal barge, MS Magnifique II, built in 2016. VIEW renowned works of art by the great masters at the Rijksmuseum and the Van Gogh Museum, in Amsterdam. TOUR the famous annex where Anne Frank and her family hid during World War II, and view her original diary. EXAMINE the inner workings of the world s largest flower auction in Aalsmeer and stroll through Lisse s Keukenhof Gardens 88 acres of magnificent flowers. COVER: CANAL, AMSTERDAM ERASMUS BRIDGE, ROTTERDAM
Stanford Faculty Leader I will go anywhere with Carolyn. She is interested in history, politics, geology, art, music, architecture, current culture, in short, everything that helps us to know an area better. She is so knowledgeable and I always learn so much from her. JO ANNE FREEMAN, 82, PROVENCE SEMINAR, 2017 CAROLYN LOUGEE has been teaching history at Stanford since 1973. A specialist in early modern Europe, she has made pioneering contributions to social and cultural history, particularly to the history of women and families. Her courses for undergraduates have regularly included Western Civ and its various successors. Both her teaching and her research include a focus on the small country of the Netherlands, because it played a disproportionately large role in the formation of Europe over the centuries through its capitalist economy, its democratic governance, its artistic creativity and continues to provide leadership on pressing issues, including water management in an age of climate change and international law in an age of global upheaval. Her lectures during this trip will offer insights into each of these aspects of Holland s culture and into the challenges facing the Dutch in the years ahead. Frances and Charles Field Professor in History; Bass Fellow in Undergraduate Education; director, structured liberal education all Stanford University Formerly at Stanford: chair, history department; dean, undergraduate studies; senior associate dean, humanities and sciences Lloyd W. Dinkelspiel Award for Distinguished Service to Undergraduate Education Dean s Award for Distinguished Teaching BA, history, 1963, Smith College PhD, history, 1972, University of Michigan S T A N F O R D T R A V E L / S T U D Y SIGN UP ONLINE: alumni.stanford.edu/trip?dutch2019 OR BY PHONE: (650) 725-1093
n Haarlem Amsterdam A t l a n t e a i c O c The Hague Delft Leiden Lisse Aalsmeer Oude Wetering Gouda T HE N ETHERLANDS THE NETHERLANDS Amsterdam Rotterdam Kinderdijk AMSTERDAM Itinerary FRIDAY & SATURDAY, APRIL 12 & 13 U.S. / AMSTERDAM, THE NETHERLANDS Depart the U.S. on overnight flights to Amsterdam. Upon arrival on Saturday, transfer to our hotel in the heart of the city. Rest after the flight or stroll through town before our welcome reception and dinner. CONSERVATORIUM HOTEL (4/13: D) SUNDAY, APRIL 14 AMSTERDAM After breakfast, depart on our first excursion: a visit to the Rijksmuseum, one of Europe s greatest museums, reopened in 2013 after a 10-year renovation and filled with masterpieces from the Dutch Golden Age. Enjoy lunch independently at one of Amsterdam s many charming cafes. This afternoon we head to the Museum District, where we visit the Van Gogh Museum, home to the largest collection of van Gogh s paintings and drawings in the world. After dinner, perhaps attend an optional concert at Amsterdam s famous Concertgebouw, a concert hall whose acoustics are rated among the world s finest. CONSERVATORIUM HOTEL (B) MONDAY, APRIL 15 AALSMEER / AMSTERDAM / EMBARK Early this morning enjoy a rare opportunity to witness the Aalsmeer Flower Auction, where we watch the haggling and deal-making among flower vendors and get a taste of life behind the scenes of the tulip trade. Return to our hotel for breakfast, followed by time for an independent stroll through the Museumplein. After lunch on our own, we gather again for a canal boat tour through the city s labyrinthine canals. Call at the Anne Frank House for a vivid, first-hand experience of her extraordinary life in hiding in the Secret Annex. Embark our river barge late this afternoon. MS MAGNIFIQUE II (B,D) TUESDAY, APRIL 16 HAARLEM Relax on deck as our vessel makes its way west along scenic waterways into the harbor of Haarlem. This charming medieval market town gave its name to New York s Harlem district in the 17th century when Manhattan was still a Dutch colony. After lunch on board, we begin our walking tour that takes us by the Town Hall, site of the city s government since 1100, and into the impressive Grote Kerk, a Protestant church and former Catholic cathedral. Inside its walls is Holland s greatest pipe organ, standing more than 100 feet high with 5,000 pipes and once played by Mozart and Handel. Continue to the Frans Hals Museum, located in a 17th-century almshouse and home to many of the masterful portrait painter s best-known works. MS MAGNIFIQUE II (B,L,D) WEDNESDAY, APRIL 17 LISSE / LEIDEN After an early breakfast, set out to experience the sights and fragrances of Lisse s amazing Keukenhof Gardens, world-renowned for its seasonal display of more than seven million blooming tulips, daffodils, hyacinths and other colorful spring bulbs. Stroll through acre after acre of the world s largest flower garden, taking in a beautiful scene that exists only for a short time each spring. Following lunch on our own, we cruise along the famous Flower Route. Stop in the elegant city of Leiden, home to the oldest university in the Netherlands. Dine together this evening on our barge. MS MAGNIFIQUE II (B,D)
CHEESE SHOP, GOUDA THURSDAY, APRIL 18 THE HAGUE / DELFT Begin the day in The Hague (Den Haag), the seat of government and home of the Royal Family. Our morning tour includes viewing the Mauritshuis Collection, which features works by Vermeer, Rembrandt and other celebrated Old Masters. Spend the afternoon in Delft, birthplace of Dutch Golden Age artist Johannes Vermeer and an important center for the production of ceramics, specifically the world-famous Delftware. Return to our barge in time for dinner. MS MAGNIFIQUE II (B,D) FRIDAY, APRIL 19 ROTTERDAM / KINDERDIJK / GOUDA Rise this morning to the colorful, bustling activity of Rotterdam Harbor and enjoy breakfast while cruising to the UNESCO World Heritage site of Kinderdijk. Tour the windmills the site is known for, built in the late 1700s and now the largest concentration of traditional windmills remaining in the Netherlands. Take an optional bike ride along the canals to soak in the beauty of this historic area. Re-board our barge and have lunch while cruising to Gouda. Our afternoon tour includes a visit to Gouda s architecturally rich city square and to St. John s Church with its world-famous stained glass windows. Enjoy dining independently at one of Gouda s many fine restaurants this evening. MS MAGNIFIQUE II (B,L) SATURDAY, APRIL 20 GOUDA / OUDE WETERING We awake in Gouda, famous for its cheese, produced here since the late 12th century. Our walking tour includes the medieval Markt Square. This afternoon, perhaps take a bike ride through the Groene Hart ( Green Heart ) of the Dutch countryside, a lovely rural landscape of lakes, fields and small villages, or opt to relax on deck or enjoy a hands-on experience with our chef, helping out with tonight s dessert. After we ve worked up an appetite, enjoy a beer tasting and dinner on board. MS MAGNIFIQUE II (B,L,D) SUNDAY, APRIL 21 AMSTERDAM Relax on board as we enjoy a leisurely sail back to Amsterdam. Take some time this afternoon to explore the city s charming streets or visit some of Amsterdam s most beloved sites before reuniting with the group to celebrate the end of our journey at this evening s farewell reception and dinner aboard our barge. MS MAGNIFIQUE II (B,D) MONDAY, APRIL 22 AMSTERDAM / DISEMBARK / U.S. Disembark our river barge and transfer to Amsterdam s international airport for flights back to the U.S. (B)
SELF PORTRAIT IN A FELT HAT, VAN GOGH STANDARD CABIN MS Magnifique II Program Cost * Unlike the many large vessels that ply the Dutch waterways, the MS Magnifique II combines modern features with the comfortable atmosphere of a traditional barge. Newly built in 2016, she features a tastefully furnished salon with a restaurant and bar on the upper deck, along with a teak sun deck. Cabins are appointed with twin beds, private bath, climate control and flat-screen TV. Lower-deck cabins (118 sq. ft.) have fixed portholes while the four upper-deck suites (151 sq. ft.) have large windows. Chartered exclusively for Stanford, this new barge accommodates just 28 guests. Rates are per person, based on double occupancy, unless otherwise noted. Category A $9,695 Standard cabin, 118 sq. ft. Category AA $11,795 Suite, 151 sq. ft. Category A, Single $11,995** Standard cabin, 118 sq. ft. *Stanford Alumni Association nonmembers add $300 per person. ** Single accommodations are limited at this rate. BUILT: 2016 REGISTRY: THE NETHERLANDS DRAFT: 23.3 FEET LENGTH: 209 FEET CRUISING SPEED: 7.5 KNOTS Sun Deck 3 1 4 2 19 17 15 11 9 7 5 Crew 18 1 p 14 12 10 8 6
Information Terms & Conditions DATES April 12 to 22, 2019 (11 days) SIZE This program can accommodate 28 participants. Single accommodations are extremely limited; please call for availability. INCLUDED 2 nights of 5-star hotel accommodations 7-night cruise aboard the MS Magnifique II 9 breakfasts, 3 lunches and 7 dinners Welcome and farewell receptions Gratuities to porters, guides, drivers and ship crew for all group activities All tours and shore excursions as described in the itinerary Airport transfers and baggage handling on program arrival day and group transfer to the airport and baggage handling on departure day Minimal medical, accident and evacuation insurance Port fees and embarkation taxes Educational program with lecture series and pre-departure materials, including recommended reading list, a selected book, map and travel information Services of our professional tour manager to assist you throughout the program NOT INCLUDED International and U.S. domestic airfare Passport and visa fees Medical expenses and immunization costs Meals and beverages other than those specified as included Independent and private transfers Trip-cancellation/interruption and baggage insurance Excess-baggage charges Personal items such as internet access, telephone and fax calls, laundry and gratuities for non-group services AIR ARRANGEMENTS You are responsible for booking and purchasing airfare to the start location of the program and from the end location of the program. These air purchases are NOT included in the program cost. To assist you in making these independent arrangements, we will send you information with your confirmation materials on when to arrive and depart. WHAT TO EXPECT We consider this program to be mildly strenuous, and at times, physically demanding and busy. Daily excursions involve one to two miles of walking in all weather and occasionally on uneven terrain such as cobblestone streets. Lunches are generally eaten independently while we are on excursions, and there are several days in which guests are off the vessel for a full day while it repositions. The MS Magnifique II is a casual barge, not a luxury riverboat. Passenger cabins are reached via a steep flight of 14 stairs with a handrail; there is no elevator access. There are several optional opportunities for biking over flat terrain. Participants must be physically fit, active and in good health. We welcome travelers 15 years of age and older on this program. Deposit & Final Payment A $1,000-per-person deposit is required to reserve space on this program. Sign up online at alumni. stanford.edu/trip?dutch2019 or call the Travel/Study office at (650) 725-1093. Final payment is due 120 days prior to departure. As a condition of participation, all confirmed participants are required to sign a Release of Liability. Cancellations & Refunds Deposits and any payments are refundable, less a $500-perperson cancellation fee, until 120 days prior to departure. After that date, refunds can be made only if the program is sold out and your place(s) can be resold, in which case a $1,000-per-person cancellation fee will apply. Insurance Stanford Travel/Study provides all travelers who are U.S. or Canadian citizens with minimal medical, accident and evacuation coverage under our group-travel insurance policy. Our group policy is intended to provide minimal levels of protection while you are traveling on this program. You may choose to subscribe to optional trip-cancellation and baggage insurance. Information will be provided to travelers with their welcome materials. The product offered includes special benefits if you purchase your policy within 14 days of written confirmation of your participation on the trip. Eligibility We encourage membership in the Stanford Alumni Association as the program cost for nonmembers is $300 more than the members price. A person traveling as a paid guest of a current member will not be charged the nonmember fee. To purchase a membership, visit alumni.stanford.edu/goto/ membership or call (650) 725-0692. Responsibility The Stanford Alumni Association, Stanford University and our operators act only as agents for the passenger with respect TELEPHONE (650) 725-1093 EMAIL travelstudy@alumni.stanford.edu California Seller of Travel Program Registration #2048 523-50 to transportation and ship arrangements and exercise every care possible in doing so. However, we can assume no liability for injury, damage, loss, accident, delay or irregularity in connection with the service of any automobile, motor coach, launch or any other conveyance used in carrying out this program or for the acts or defaults of any company or person engaged in conveying the passenger or in carrying out the arrangements of the program. We cannot accept any responsibility for losses or additional expenses due to delay or changes in air or other services, sickness, weather, strike, war, quarantine, force majeure or other causes beyond our control. All such losses or expenses will have to be borne by the passenger as tour rates provide arrangements only for the time stated. We reserve the right to make such alterations to this published itinerary as may be deemed necessary. The right is reserved to cancel any program prior to departure in which case the entire payment will be refunded without further obligation on our part. The right is also reserved to decline to accept or retain any person as a member of the program. No refund will be made for an unused portion of any tour unless arrangements are made in sufficient time to avoid penalties. Baggage is carried at the owner s risk entirely. It is understood that the ship s ticket, when issued, shall constitute the sole contract between the passenger and the cruise company. The airlines concerned are not to be held responsible for any act, omission or event during the time that passengers are not on board their plane or conveyance. Neither the Stanford Alumni Association, Stanford University nor our operators accept liability for any carrier s cancellation penalty incurred by the purchase of a nonrefundable ticket in connection with the tour. Program price is based on rates in effect in May 2018 and is subject to change without notice to reflect fluctuations in exchange rates, tariffs or fuel charges. COPYRIGHT 2018 STANFORD ALUMNI ASSOCIATION. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. PRINTED ON RECYCLED, FSC-CERTIFIED PAPER IN THE U.S.
Stanford Travel/Study Frances C. Arrillaga Alumni Center 326 Galvez Street Stanford, CA 94305-6105 (650) 725-1093 Nonprofit Org. U.S. Postage PAID Stanford Alumni Association MASTERPIECES OF ART AND NATURE April 12 to 22, 2019 alumni.stanford.edu/goto/travelstudy I ve been on three Stanford trips and this was my favorite. It was a perfect blend of visiting great places, learning a lot and having fun. Stanford provides unique access to activities, places and people. SUSAN TERMOHLEN, JD 81, DUTCH WATERWAYS, 2017 S T A N F O R D T R A V E L / S T U D Y RIJKSMUSEUM, AMSTERDAM